109 Turbulant waters (2/2)

Jos's jerked to attention then relaxed when she realized it was only Raven. ”With luck and a long swim, I hope.”

Raven nodded and pulled her chair around to the large pool that filled most of the huge living room. She waited until Jos was fully submerged into the saltwater pool before asking. ”Exactly how well do you know that guy?” She nodded toward the door.

Jos skimmed the water with her hands only slightly tuning her attention toward Raven as she answered. ”Who Arei or Orion or their brother?”

Raven shrugged. ”Any of them.”

Jos let out a sigh. ”I don't know their brother at all, and I'm not entirely sure anymore how well I know either of Arei or Orion. Up until two weeks ago I had tried convincing myself that it was always only Orion... but the more time I spend with Arei and hear his side of things the more I realize...” her words trailed of for a second. ”Well, I realized how similar I was to Russ back then. I was so stubborn in my beliefs, I didn't even try separating the two of them in my minds eyes...” She turned her attention fully to Raven. ”And believe me, Arei all but announced himself every time he was around. They were and still are very different despite their outward appearances.”

Raven nodded. ”I can see that.”

Jos tented her brow and stared into the waters as if they were a mirror into the past. ”I got so mad and said such horrible things that day... all because I was too stubborn to hear the things he wasn't saying all that time...”

Raven arched a brow, ”And now?”

”What do you mean?” She asked looking up a Raven in confusion. Raven leaned back into the chair crossing her arms over her chest. ”I'll not play around the bush. Is what Russ said true? Are you torn between the two of them, Russ and Arei?”

Jos's shoulders dropped, ”I wasn't... I spent two weeks with him and it never even crossed my mind, but what he said just now in the bedroom... it had merit.” Her gaze came back up to Raven. ”I don't know what to do. I love Russ and I'm sure that it's more than just because he's pushed so hard for it... but he has pushed hard.” Her hand went to her shoulder involuntarily. ”Unfortunately no matter how much he fights me, his people, or the council the facts of our circumstances are not easily changed.”

Raven nodded in agreement. ”Have you seen the news today?” She asked. When Jos shook her head no, Raven pulled the remote out from beside her. ”The DeMarco story has made headlines. They are also linking the unsolved murders of the past several months with his death. There were similar markings left on the remains found out by the pool.” Raven shut her eyes. ”I didn't have time to make sure the whole house burnt.”

Jos sighed. ”It's not your fought. I really don't remember much but I'm sure it was a mess.” She swam over to where Raven was sitting and placed he hand over Raven's boot clad foot. ”I appreciate and think you for what you have done for me, but I wished you hadn't. I don't want you see you brought down along side me for my crimes.”

Raven laughed, ”What kind of friend would I be if I didn't help my two besties cover up killing their ex's.” She reach down and patted Shelly on the head. ”Had I known what that bastard was doing sooner, I'd killed him myself.”

Jos smiled, ”Xavier was a damn good liar, that's for sure...” She frowned, ”I guess more than anything that's the biggest reason I'm pushing against Russ and his current determination to be together.” She held Raven's gaze. ”I will have to answer for my crimes, Raven. They will not care what drove me to do it or the crimes of the people killed. All they will see is a monster taking justice into her own tentacles.” She turned away, ”I doubt they'll go easy on me a second time...”

Raven's eyes flared, ”Easy on you? They sent hunters after you and when that didn't work they locked you up for three hundred years! Jos that isn't going easy on you that's pier spite! If you turn yourself in, how long do you think they'll have you locked away this time? Another three maybe even five this time! Russ will be long dead by then.”

A tear slid down Jos's face. ”I know that.” Her watery eyes met Raven's, ”That's why I'd hoped to enjoy the time we do have together...”

Raven's expression softened. ”He's a stubborn kid, but he's not stupid. Try explaining it to him. Set him down and tell him everything, Jos. What happened back then, what has been happening... What will happen...”

Jos nodded. ”I will as soon as I talk to Orion.”

Raven's eyes bugged. ”What are you talking to him about!”

Jos let out a long pained sigh. ”I'd love to tell you it's not what you think, but in the end it will be...” She glanced over to Shelly then back to Raven. ”I need to make the past right with him... then I'm going to ask him to turn me in...”